Indica Or Sativa: Which Is Best To Treat Anxiety?

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September 7, 2022

Indica Or Sativa: Which Is Best To Treat Anxiety?

A growing body of research evidence shows that marijuana can reduce anxiety symptoms, including separation and social anxiety.

According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is a major depressive disorder or mental health issue characterized by fear, worried thoughts, and tension. It also causes physical changes, such as increased heartbeat, shaking, trembling, panic attacks, and high blood pressure.

Although each person has different symptoms related to anxiety, the typical signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder are restlessness, emotional distress, feelings of worry, concentration problems, increased irritability, sleep apnea, insomnia, panic disorder, social phobia, behavioral change, mood disorders, etc.

Causes of Anxiety

Causes of anxiety vary from person to person. Many people have a single symptom that causes distress, while some have multiple symptoms. However, the most common causes of anxiety include:

Environmental triggers or external stimuli, such as relationship problems, family issues, financial difficulties, or challenges in maintaining a better work-life balance, can cause anxiety.
Studies show that genetics can also cause anxiety. For example, if your father, mother, or grandparents had anxiety, the chances are that you may suffer from the condition.
Major depressive disorders such as stress and depression, can increase anxiety levels. Although medications like antidepressants, narcotics, and chronic pain relievers can ease tension, some people have side effects after prolonged use.

While antidepressants are a good option for anxiety, they may also elevate the condition. In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy, neurological disorders, neuropathic pain, neck and back pain, and chemical imbalances in the brain that increase cortisol production can also cause anxiety.

The Endocannabinoid System

Understanding the endocannabinoid system is essential before using cannabis indica or Sativa strains for anxiety and other depressive disorders. The endocannabinoid system encompasses three critical components: 1). Endocannabinoids, 2). Receptors 3). Enzymes.

Endocannabinoids, also known as endogenous cannabinoids, are natural molecules your body produces. Although these molecules are similar to cannabinoids, the difference is that your body makes them via biological mechanisms.

Endocannabinoid receptors exist throughout the body and play a critical role in sending and receiving signals from and to the central nervous system. CB1 and CB2 receptors are the primary cannabinoid receptors. The formers exist in the central nervous system, and the latter in the peripheral nervous system, including the immune system.

Endocannabinoid enzymes are an integral part of the system and act as a catalyst to streamline metabolism and regulate the endocannabinoid function at neuronal and peripheral levels.

A research study published on NCBI states that the endocannabinoid system is crucial in streamlining various body functions, including appetite and digestion, reducing chronic pain, optimizing metabolism, triggering inflammatory responses, and strengthening the immune system.

It also improves mood, learning, memory, sleep, sensory and motor control, heart function, muscle development, musculoskeletal formation, skin and nerve function, and the reproductive system. Understanding the endocannabinoid system is essential because it lets you determine and analyze how marijuana treats anxiety.

social anxiety — Photo by fizkes/Getty Images

Marijuana for Anxiety

A 2017 research study shows that over 9,000 people in the United States said that marijuana, including indica and sativa strains, offers a wide range of health benefits, including anxiety relief.

About 50% of the study participants noted that marijuana reduced stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Cannabis users must understand that marijuana contains two primary active ingredients: THC and CBD.

The first is a psychoactive compound that can make a person “high.” The second one, CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound primarily used for medical purposes. The psychoactive effects of THC can overcome depressive symptoms.

THC vs. CBD

THC stands (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a primary cannabinoid found in marijuana or cannabis plant. The compound gets you “high” and interacts with the endocannabinoid system through receptors.

In addition, THC is a potent compound with a strong affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. Binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors positively affects your mind and body by reducing pain, stimulating appetite, and decreasing anxiety and stress.

On the other hand, CBD (cannabidiol) is another cannabinoid found in cannabis products. Compared to THC, CBD does not make you “high” and has fewer side effects. Many studies have proven that CBD accurately interacts with numerous receptors of the endocannabinoid system.

However, there is a need for more research to determine whether CBD interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. The good news is that CBD found in the cannabis plant or marijuana can treat various health conditions, including:

Inflammation
Epilepsy
Headaches
Migraines
Stress
Depression
Anxiety
Autoimmune disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Pain relief

marijuana joint — Photo by Vanessa Nunes/Getty Images

The Difference Between Indica and Sativa and Hybrid

Indica and sativa are the two primary types of cannabis plants or marijuana. Both are the best strains and are beneficial for various medical conditions. Both strains are excellent anxiety treatments.

However, sativa has more energizing and invigorating effects, relieving stress, depression, and anxiety and improving focus, concentration, and creativity. Cannabis sativa can also treat a wide range of health conditions.

Let us differentiate between the indica, sativa, and hybrid strains to help you make an informed decision and choose a product that best fits your needs.

Indica

Knowing the CBD to THC ratio is crucial to understanding the unique effects of indica on your brain. Indica strains have a high CBD content and mild to moderate THC. Indica strain or marijuana can produce calming effects, reduce nausea, increase appetite, reduce discomfort, and relieve pain.

Experts recommend consuming indica at night because it has physical relaxation effects. Hindu Kush, Granddaddy Purple, and Afghan Kush are the most popular indica plants or strains available in pharmacies.

In addition, indica is an excellent marijuana product and a reliable relaxation source for many people. So, it can reduce the symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Likewise, indica can improve muscle relaxation, release mental exhaustion, increase appetite, boost dopamine and serotonin levels, and decrease acute and chronic pain and digestive disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, and cramps.

cannabis dispensary — Photo by Zummolo/Getty Images

Sativa

Sativa is a form of marijuana with a different CBD to THC ratio compared to indica strains. Sativa has higher doses of CBD and lower doses of THC. The primary difference between indica and sativa is that the former does not make you “high,” and the latter can produce “high” effects on your brain.

However, studies show that sativa is more energizing and can reduce anxiety-related symptoms efficiently and quickly. You can use sativa-dominant strains to improve relaxation, increase creativity, and boost productivity.

Because sativa has excellent stimulating effects, you can use it in the daytime. Durban Poison, Panama Red, and Acapulco Gold are the most popular sativa strains available in pharmacies. These products can help you achieve the desired effects.

Some studies highlight that sativa has a THC to CBD ratio that may not wholly overcome anxiety symptoms. Fidgeting, increased heart rate, hypertension, and nervousness are common signs of anxiety.

Although sativa can increase your energy levels and produce euphoric effects, it may not treat nervousness or consciousness. In a nutshell, sativa is good for depression, chronic inflammation/pain, focus/concentration, creativity, productivity, serotonin production, and increased relaxation in the daytime.

Hybrid

Hybrid forms of marijuana that contain both indica and sativa strains have become popular recently. Grown in greenhouses and on farms, hybrids combine indica and sativa strains.

Regarding the CBD to THC ratio, scientists and researchers increase the THC percentage in hybrids to ensure the compound interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors and produces anti-anxiety effects.

Hybrids also benefit people who undergo radiotherapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Using hybrids during daytime or nighttime depends on the user’s specific needs and the effects of the chemical compounds. Some people prefer the daytime use of hybrids for deep relaxation.

Various popular hybrids strains include indica-dominant or indica-dom and sativa-dominant or sativa-dom or sativa-dominant hybrid. Some hybrids have a balanced THC and CBD ratio and equal concentration of indica and sativa strains. Blue Dream, Trainwreck, and Pineapple Express are popular hybrids on the market.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Indica and Sativa

How to choose the best cannabis strains? Different strains have different effects on people suffering from anxiety. Many men and women do not understand whether indica or sativa plants are beneficial for major depressive disorders like stress, depression, and anxiety.

Both indica and sativa are popular strains. There are various factors to consider when choosing strains of cannabis or between the two marijuana strains for anxiety. The purpose is to select the right strain. So, consider the following elements or characteristics to make an informed decision.

cannabis marijuana flower — Photo by Yarygin/Getty Images

Chemotype

Chemotype is a primary factor when choosing between indica and sativa strains. Chemotype refers to the ratio of THC and CBD for the strain. Bear in mind that the increase and decrease of THC or CBD can improve or reduce the effects of marijuana on CB1 and CB2 receptors.

So, make sure you know the CBD to THC ratio before choosing a specific strain. Depending on your needs, you can select THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, or balanced marijuana strains.

Terpene

Although many people ignore consider terpene profile, it is an essential factor because it determines the taste and smell of a strain. Remember, this can positively or negatively impact the therapeutic effects of a strain on your body and mind. Therefore, you must determine the terpene profile of sativa or indica to make an informed decision.

Potency

Potency is another crucial factor when deciding between indica or sativa strains. A strain’s overall potency is essential to determine before consuming marijuana. For example, a strain that contains over 20% THC produces a “higher” effect than a strain with 5% or 10% THC. Remember, potency usually applies to THC because it is a compound that makes people high.

Final Words

A growing body of research evidence shows that marijuana can reduce anxiety symptoms, including separation and social anxiety. However, marijuana with low THC levels can decrease stress/anxiety efficiently and quickly.

On the other hand, marijuana with high THC doses can increase the risk of stress and anxiety. However, lower doses can relieve anxiety. Moreover, CBD-dominant indica or sativa can decrease anxiety disorders at all doses without any side effects because this compound does not make you “high.”

Remember, each individual responds differently to marijuana. Therefore, you must thoroughly research and consult a marijuana doctor before consuming the substance.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Juul Agrees To Pay Large Fine For Targeting Teens, But There’s Still One Major Thing They Haven’t Done

Maria Loreto

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September 6, 2022

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Juul Agrees To Pay Large Fine For Targeting Teens, But There’s Still One Major Thing They Haven’t Done

Juul has agreed to pay a large sum of money following allegations of marketing their products to teens.

Juul Labs has reached a settlement with 34 states that accused it of targeting teens in its marketing. The company has agreed to pay a $438.5 million fee while vowing to follow new marketing and sales parameters that limit their reach in hopes of protecting underage consumers.

The state investigations found that Juul appealed to young demographics via different methods, including hiring young models, using social media to promote sales, and even providing free samples of their products.

Teens Are Getting Sick Due To Marijuana Products With High THC Content — Photo by Luke Porter via Unsplash

“We think that this will go a long way in stemming the flow of youth vaping,” said Connecticut’s attorney general William Tong, per the New York Times. “We are under no illusions and cannot claim that it will stop youth vaping. It continues to be an epidemic. It continues to be a huge problem. But we have essentially taken a big chunk out of what was once a market leader.”

Juul agreed to the settlement and the impositions placed on their company. The company says the settlement “is a significant part of our ongoing commitment to resolve issues from the past. The terms of the agreement are aligned with our current business practices which we started to implement after our companywide reset in the fall of 2019.”

Still, they haven’t admitted to any wrongdoing.

In the past, Juul has been considered a leading company in the vaping crisis. Recently, the company has tried to correct its course and has stopped many of the marketing tools that appealed to teens, including the distribution of different flavors that parents were concerned about.

Juul has also been affected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its denial of its authorization to sell vapes, which stated that the company’s application didn’t have enough evidence to support its claims of benefitting public health. Juul rebutted these statements by showing evidence that they’d helped a variety of consumers quit traditional smoking, which is more harmful.

Currently, the FDA appears to be reviewing different scientific issues regarding the company and has allowed Juul’s products to temporarily remain on the market.

How Many Billions Will Big Pharma Lose If Cannabis Gets Legalized?

Terry Hacienda

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September 6, 2022

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How Many Billions Will Big Pharma Lose If Cannabis Gets Legalized?

This is the first study to ever assess the impact of marijuana on the pharmaceutical industry, regardless of patient or product type.

Each time a single person chooses to medicate with marijuana products instead of pharmaceutical drugs, it’s one big step for the legal cannabis industry and dollars lost for Big Pharma.

Ever since cannabis legalization began to take traction in the United States, Big Pharma has felt the looming threat. Slowly, biotech firms began to develop not just in the US but abroad as well, focusing on how to utilize the health benefits of the cannabis plant and translate it into safe, effective medicine that has successfully treated many conditions with no side effects — something Big Pharma has failed at doing. To add insult to injury, cannabis has also been effective at treating the opioid epidemic which is caused by medications developed by them.

Now, a new study has found that Big Pharma loses billions of dollars when states legalize marijuana. The peer-reviewed study, entitled “US Cannabis Laws Projected To Cost Generic And Brand Pharmaceutical Firms Billions”, analyzed how publicly traded pharmaceutical firms fared after adult-use or medical marijuana laws were enacted by states. According to Ziemowit Bednarek, California Polytechnic State University’s Finance Department, together with Sarah Stith, pharmaceutical stocks were worth 1.5-2% lower in only 10 days following cannabis legalization.

prescription drugs — Photo by James Yarema via Unsplash

It solidifies other studies demonstrating how access to legal marijuana reduces consumption of fatal and addictive opioids. However, this is also the first study to ever assess the impact of marijuana on the pharmaceutical industry, regardless of patient or product type.

The study’s authors also predicted an 11% drop in pharmaceutical sales if cannabis were ever federally legal, which would cost them billions. They also acknowledge the fact that people are substituting marijuana for conventional drugs even if the industry is still working on dosage guidelines, coverage from health insurance, and standardization issues.

“Currently, cannabis patients and their providers have little information to guide them towards the most effective treatment for their condition. The future of cannabis medicine lies in understanding the prevalence and effects of the plants’ components beyond THC and CBD and identifying ways to categorize cannabis by measurable characteristics that are known to yield specific effects,” explains Stith. She also goes on to explain that in their findings, branded pharmaceutical drug companies were affected more than generic firms, likely because of the competitive impact.

The authors concluded by saying that pharmaceutical manufacturers can benefit from this by investing in the cannabis landscape instead of fighting them.

If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them

There have been numerous cases of Big Pharma lobbying against the cannabis industry. One of the most notorious cases was that of Insys Therapeutics, a firm based out of Arizona, who was found to have spent $500,000 to a group called Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy, which was established to try and fight Proposition 205 back in 2016. Prop 205 was the voter initiative that legalized marijuana in Arizona.

It’s no surprise why: Insys Therapeutics back then was responsible for just one product: Subsys, a sublingual spray made out of fentanyl, an extremely strong opioid that has taken thousands of lives. “Insys Therapeutics made $62 million in net revenue on Subsys fentanyl sales in the first quarter of this year, representing 100 percent of the companies earnings,” reported The Washington Post.

More recently, a group called the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADA), which has made it their mission to advocate against the federal legalization of cannabis, shut down a page on their website where they listed their partners. One of them is Pfizer, a large global pharmaceutical firm.

What makes it ironic is that in 2021, Pfizer inked a joint deal with Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotech firm that has dedicated a segment of their medications to developing cannabinoid drugs. Arena is focused on developing drugs that target the cannabinoid receptors to treat pain caused by gastrointestinal conditions. Even if Pfizer is not directly in the business of touching the plant, it doesn’t change the fact that they are trying to make money from it.

prescription drugs opioids — Photo by Christina Victoria Craft via Unsplash

At the end of the day, Big Pharma really is in a much better position to support cannabis instead of fight back. There’s simply no competition with marijuana – a natural, affordable plant that contains hundreds of compounds, affecting people differently yet with minimal, if any, side effects. Unlike pharmaceutical medications that come with a range of undesirable side effects if they even do work on patients.

Marijuana is one plant that can be used to treat dozens of conditions: chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, depression, epilepsy, and so much more. Pharmaceutical medications have tried in vain to develop drugs that would treat these same conditions, and while they worked for some, many did not find relief. Instead, patients were left broke and unable to afford expensive treatments and medications. Whereas cannabis simply works. It’s extremely powerful and that’s why pharmaceutical corporations are afraid, feeling threatened.

So threatened, in fact, that Big Pharma has been trying to copy various cannabinoids by taking advantage of its federally illegal status and instead developing synthetic cannabinoids that they can profit from. In doing so, they also control the price and release of cannabinoids. Large pharmaceutical conglomerates need to stay afloat somehow, so they must innovate and do what they can in the meantime.

But the cannabis industry has got to keep on fighting back. Let’s not lose hope that the government will finally change the federal status of marijuana in the near future.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Biden Weighs In On Cannabis During Meeting With PA Senate Candidate Fetterman

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 6, 2022

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Biden Weighs In On Cannabis During Meeting With PA Senate Candidate Fetterman

While details of their conversation have not been revealed, Fetterman’s communications director said that Fetterman remained firm in his demands. Here’s what else we know.

By Jelena Martinovic

Just days after John Fetterman urged President Joe Biden to deschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug and work to decriminalize it, the PA Lt. Governor crossed paths with him near Pittsburgh.

According to Marijuana Moment, Fetterman — a fierce cannabis advocate and Democratic Senate candidate — and Biden discussed potential changes to the status of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act prior to his speech at a union hall on Monday. Biden was scheduled to visit Pittsburgh for a separate event on Monday during Pittsburgh’s Annual Labor Day parade.

John Fetterman Calls On Biden To Legalize Weed Ahead Of Labor Day — Photo by Nate Smallwood/Getty Images

While details of their conversation have not been revealed, Joe Calvello, Fetterman’s communications director told Marijuana Moment that Fetterman remained firm in his demands and “continued to advocate for the President to use his executive authority to begin the process of rescheduling marijuana so that people convicted of nonviolent offenses can go on with their lives.”

However, there are signals that complete “descheduling” of cannabis was one of the issues touched on during the discussion. At the same time, a campaign spokesperson for Fetterman said earlier that he was planning to talk about “the need to finally decriminalize marijuana” at the federal level.

Will The Biden Administration Work On Marijuana Decriminalization?

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a news briefing last week that she didn’t “have anything right now to announce,” in response to Fetterman’s request to Biden to deschedule cannabis prior to his Pittsburg visit.

Still, she highlighted that Biden “believes that there are too many people serving unduly long sentences for nonviolent drug crimes, a disproportionate number of whom are black and brown.”

Biden granted amnesty to dozens of individuals with nonviolent federal drug convictions and commuted the sentences of 75 people serving time at home because of the pandemic earlier this year, out of which nine mentioned cannabis. He also issued three pardons.

Jean-Pierre added that marijuana decriminalization is “something that he has talked about during the campaign, and you’ve heard from him many other times talking about his drug policy focus and what’s important to him. We just don’t have anything to speak to.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Is There A Lethal Dose Of Cannabis?

Cannabis

Sam Anderson

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September 6, 2022

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There is no lethal dose of marijuana, however, marijuana can contribute to deaths when consumed irresponsibly and/or there is an underlying health condition.

To “die” from a drug, one must overdose, which has never been observed with cannabis. Weed contains no chemical that has been shown to cause people to overdose and die.

So the answer to the question “Can you die from weed?” is definitive: “No, you can’t die from a weed-induced overdose.” However, weed can contribute to death due to:

Intoxication
An underlying health condition such as a heart condition

Cannabis has been a contributing factor in fatal car accidents. Research has found that from “2000 to 2018 the percentage of crash deaths involving cannabis increased from 9 percent to 21.5 percent.”

When a person consumes cannabis, chooses to drive, gets in a car accident, and dies, the cause of death is driving while under the influence. Cannabis is a contributing factor, but the individual’s choice to unsafely drive a car after consuming cannabis is the cause of death.

Persons with underlying cardiac conditions must be mindful not to consume substances that can increase their heart rate (such as caffeine or cannabis). Research has found that for people with certain heart conditions, cannabis consumption can increase the chances of having a heart attack by around 4.8 times. When you have any health condition it is important to speak with your doctor about what you consume.

Can You Die From Being Too High?

In toxicology, there is something called median lethal dose (LD50). A substance is tested to determine the specific titrated dose that consistently causes half the animals in a test group to die. This is called the LD50 of a substance.

In research with dogs, it was determined that 3g of THC per kilogram (2.20462 pounds) of body weight is a deadly dose. Stating the findings of this research in another way, “if the dosage were the same in people, a 140-pound (63.5kg) individual would require 190.5g of THC to kill them. As a result, if you had a strain with a potency of 20% THC, you’d need 952.5g (33 ounces/ 2.06 pounds)” of weed to achieve the LD50 found in the study.

In September 1988, Francis L. Young, Administrative Law Judge for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stated:

“Marijuana’s LD-50 is around 1:20,000 or 1:40,000.”
“In order to induce death a marijuana smoker would have to consume 20,000 to 40,000 times as much marijuana as is contained in one marijuana cigarette.”
“A smoker would theoretically have to consume nearly 1,500 pounds of marijuana within about fifteen minutes to induce a lethal response.”
“In strict medical terms marijuana is far safer than many foods we commonly consume. For example, eating ten raw potatoes can result in a toxic response. By comparison, it is physically impossible to eat enough marijuana to induce death.”

Young’s assessment of marijuana’s safety led to marijuana being accepted for use with medical supervision.

So, in short, you cannot die from being too high. However, if you over-consume cannabis you might experience adverse side effects.

RELATED: Can You Freeze Weed?

The answer to the question “Can marijuana kill you?” is “no.” A judge for the DEA determined that the amount of marijuana that needs to be consumed to reach an LD50 is so high that marijuana has no set LD50 for human overdose.

Marijuana can, however, contribute to deaths when consumed irresponsibly and/or there is an underlying health condition.

Get Started With Jointly

Download the Jointly app on the App Store or the Google Play Store to get started on your cannabis wellness journey.

Sam Anderson is the content Director at Jointly, a cannabis wellness company powered by a proprietary data platform to help people reach their full potential. The company was created on the premise that purposeful cannabis consumption is the key to unlocking a better you. This article originally appeared on Jointly and has been reposted with permission.

Air Force, Space Force Will Give Second Chance To Applicants Who Test Positive For THC

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 5, 2022

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Air Force, Space Force Will Give Second Chance To Applicants Who Test Positive For THC

By Jelena Martinovic

Cannabis use may no longer disqualify prospective applicants from joining the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force as long as they stop consuming it once in the service. Recruits who otherwise qualified to serve but tested positive for THC at Military Entrance Processing Stations might be granted a waiver, Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, commander of Air Force Recruiting Service told Air Force Times.

He emphasized that applicants who test positive for THC while at MEPS are “permanently” prohibited from entering the Air Force or Space Force. However, with more states legalizing marijuana, the number of THC-positive applicants is rising. “We have to be realistic today,” Thomas continued. “We need to exercise common sense.”

drug test — Photo by RapidEye/Getty Images

While it’s unclear when this policy will be finalized, other U.S. military service branches have taken similar steps. Last year, the Navy undertook a pilot program for a period of two years, during which applicants who test positive for marijuana or THC at MEPS will be able to move on to boot camp after a three-month waiting period. The Marine Corps has a slightly different approach to THC-positive recruits, allowing them to return to MEPS after 45 days.

Latest Legislative Efforts

Meanwhile, in July 2020, the House of Representatives approved a measure permitting the use of hemp products and its derivatives for military service members.

Recently, two amendments to a must-pass defense spending bill concerning marijuana-related issues in the U.S. military were also green-lighted by the members of the same chamber.

Sponsored by Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD), the first proposal was centered on cannabis sentencing standards under the military code. It sought a Military Justice Review Panel “develop recommendations specifying appropriate sentencing ranges for offenses involving the use and possession of marijuana.”

The other proposal from Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) seeks a Defense Department-led study on the efficiency of cannabis for certain conditions as compared to opioids.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Study: Cannabis More Effective Than Prescription Drugs For Pregnancy-Related Nausea

Medical Marijuana

Terry Hacienda

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September 5, 2022

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Study: Cannabis More Effective Than Prescription Drugs For Pregnancy-Related Nausea

Researchers behind a recent study found that 82% of pregnant women were able to find relief by using marijuana, which was also effective in helping them gain weight.

Pregnancy-related nausea is one of the most common experiences among expectant mothers. Around half of expecting mothers experience it. The nausea can strike any time: day or night, and for some, it can last the whole day long. It varies in severity; some people only have mild nausea while for other women, it can be debilitating — so much so, that they can even lose their appetite.

In the medical world, this is known as hyperemesis gravidarum, and is usually treated with any of several conventional pharmaceutical drugs. However, many of these drugs don’t work for women. When pregnant women are unable to eat due to severe nausea, this can have serious and fatal implications: low birth weight in infants, miscarriage, dehydration, encelopathy, and depression are among the many risks.

pregnant — Photo by Amina Filkins via Pexels

A new study published in the journal Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde has found that cannabis actually works better than prescription drugs when it comes to treating hyperemesis gravidarum. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles together with researchers from Oregon’s Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation polled 550 people who experienced nausea while pregnant. The results showed that 96% of respondents said they used anti-emetic medications while 14% said they used marijuana. A majority of those who did use marijuana reported that they did so because the anti-emetics were not effective in treating this condition.

Additionally, 82% of those who used marijuana said they were able to find relief and it was effective in helping them gain weight. “This study adds to the growing literature supporting antiemetic properties of cannabis and cannabinoid compounds while also suggesting their potential to treat HG… A minority of respondents in this survey reported using cannabis for HG; however, those who used cannabis or CBPs [cannabis-based products] reported more frequent relief from HG symptoms compared to those who used prescription anti-emetics,” the authors concluded.

The authors added: “Cannabis products may be perceived as a more effective alternative, but more research is required to understand its mechanism and safety… In the meantime, providers must weigh unknown risks of recommending cannabis.. with the well-established risk of adverse and fetal outcomes for refractory HG.”

Other Studies

There have been similar studies and reports yielding positive outcomes among pregnant women who use cannabis for HG.

In 2021, a study out of Israel analyzing four reports revealed that inhaling cannabis has had beneficial outcomes and improved quality of life for subjects with HG. Researchers at the Shamir Hospital and Ariel University analyzed four women in particular, who were tasked to undergo evaluation prior to and after cannabis use.

All four women reported “highly significant improvements” in vomiting, nausea, and weight gain. Marijuana use also increased scores measuring quality of life. It was also good to note that the expectant mothers who used marijuana didn’t have an impact on babies prenatal or post-natal development. “While more research is needed before cannabis can be considered for use in HG, this report suggests that cannabis should be tested in appropriately-powered control trials for this severe and protracted maternal condition, addressing both maternal effect and potential adverse fetal effects,” the authors concluded.

In another study from 2021, University of New Mexico (UNM) researchers analyzed symptoms among 2,200 participants from 5 minutes to an hour after consuming cannabis. They found that a whopping 96% of patients experienced relief in as little as under an hour.

“Despite increasing clinical concerns regarding cyclical vomiting or hyperemesis syndrome in cannabis users, almost all users experienced relief,” explains UNM assistant professor and study author, Sarah Stith.

“The mechanisms behind cannabis’ ability to rapidly reduce feelings of nausea are not fully clear, but like involve the plant’s ability to activate CB1 receptor responses to other stimuli in the central nervous system, such as the insular cortex, which is involved in interoception, conscious awareness of internal bodily states, and an example of a brain region that is naturally modulated in part by endocannabinoids that naturally develop in the human body,” explains co-author Jacob Vigil, an associate professor at UNM. “Therefore, it is unsurprising that phytocannabinoids that develop in the Cannabis plant are also effective at stimulating similar brain regions.”

Why Cannabis Works

It’s no surprise that more women are turning to marijuana to treat hyperemesis gravidarum. A 2018 studyA 2018 study out of California found that more women were using cannabis, and those who were in their first trimester suffering from extreme nausea and vomiting were more likely to do so. Researchers analyzed 220,000 pregnancies in the state from 2009 through 2016 and found that the average use was at 5.3% though this jumped to 11.3% for pregnant women with severe nausea.

“Our findings add important evidence to a small but growing body of research suggesting that some pregnant women may use marijuana to self-medicate morning sickness,” explains Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, lead author of the study.

The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate numerous bodily functions including maintaining homeostasis and healthy central nervous system function. They also act on the gastrointestinal system, helping to regulate food intake, lipid synthesis, and many more.

Cannabinoids act on the CB1 receptors to reduce emesis and intestinal motility; studies have also found that the antiemetic capabilities of marijuana happens because of the CB1 receptors found in the dorsal vagal complex, also known as the DVC. The DVC houses 3 nuclei that helps process information from the nerve to the gut as well as other structures in the body.

Other research suggests that the way cannabinoids interact with serotonin receptors helps it curb nausea effectively.

Conclusion

For pregnant women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, speak to your physician about the options available for safely integrating cannabis or CBD products into your lifestyle. With more expectant mothers medicating with cannabis for uncontrollable nausea, there are now more safer options than ever before to chose from. You are no longer confined to pharmaceutical drugs for treating this condition.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Study Shows Women Will Initiate Sex If Their Partners Do This

News
Sex

Maria Loreto

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September 5, 2022

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Study Shows Women Will Initiate Sex If Their Partners Do This

A new study finds a simple and scientific solution to help couples have more sex.

A new study found that women are more likely to initiate sex if their partners are willing to split the chores evenly.

The study, published in the Journal of Sex Research and conducted by researchers at Swinburne University of Technology, surveyed 299 Australian women between the ages of 18 and 39, comparing their relationship characteristics to sexual desire. The questions were designed to measure how balanced respondents thought their relationship was and how satisfying they were with their sex life.

Here's How Your Gut Health Can Affect Your Sex Life — Photo by We-Vibe Toys via Unsplash

As expected, the study revealed that “women in equal relationships (in terms of housework and the mental load) are more satisfied with their relationships and, in turn, feel more sexual desire than those in unequal relationships,” according to researchers.

A deeper look at the study demonstrated that splitting chores increased women’s dyadic sexual desire, which is the desire that refers to emotional and physical closeness to other people.

This isn’t the first study to find a link between more sex and splitting up chores around the house. A study published in 2016 found that heterosexual couples that were equals were happier overall, having a better connection and more sex.

“Sharing the load is beneficial. Couples who have a more equal division of labor seem to be happier, and that’s reflected in various ways, only one of which is sex,” said study co-author Sharon Sassler. “It’s kind of a no-brainer. Contributing more does make a partner appreciate what the other partner is doing.”

The study showed that if one partner did all of the housework, they were likely to want less sex, no matter if they were men or women. “That’s a total overturning of gender roles, and neither men or women seem to be happy with that,” said Sassler.

How To Make Sure Your Vape Is Safe

Terry Hacienda

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September 4, 2022

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High-quality vapes with healthy components are not always expensive the same way expensive vapes are not always of the best grades.

Vaping is popularly considered as the lesser of all evils for all cannabis users around the world. Nothing can be a hundred percent safe though.

Nowadays, the market is littered with various types of vaporizers with different atomizers and cartridges. Expectedly, choosing a vape might be a dilemma for customers, as well as canna-entrepreneurs — especially new investors.

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Safety is the most important thing to look for

All vapes do not have an equal measure of safety. Some are safer than others. Thanks to the ever-evolving technology, many unique types of vapes have been developed. Most brands choose profit over the health of their customers, which is why you should always check the components of your vaporizers before buying, including:

Gaskets

Silicone gaskets have the best quality. These sealing gaskets maintain low odor, utmost flexibility, low molding pressures, minimal toxicity, and very low leaching features. They have the ability to offer both low and high temperatures.

The function of the sealing gasket in a vape is to avoid leaking of the vaporized cannabis while securing the other components in their right places.

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These silicone gaskets are also of different types. Each has a serviceable temperature that was between the range of -55°C to 200°C.

Cartridge Tube

This component has the most surface area that comes in contact with the extract. It is more or less the most important aspect of the vape; more reason why you should always check how it fares on the healthy range.

When purchasing a vale, you must know the material used to create the cartridge tube.

One of the safest materials that can be used for this tube is glass —Fused Borosilicate Quartz. This glass can withstand temperatures as high as 1,100°C. Moreover, it cannot be leached. This material is also popular because it is used to stir nuclear waste.

Glass is an inert material that is non-hazardous. Actually, the heating material is not totally made of fused borosilicate quarts, it is made of ceramic or aluminum and then finished with the glass material for its non-leaching features.

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In addition to the safe heating features, they also preserve the flavors of the extracts, improving the quality of the output that is inhaled.

Once you notice that the cartridge tube is made with polycarbonate materials, do not make a purchase. These plastic materials can leach basic products at very high temperatures. Posing a very high health risk for users.

Coil

Ever wondered where the “vaporization” occurs in a vape? It’s here in the coil.

When voltage is passed through the device, the heating device supplies a certain degree of temperature. This heat gets to the already absorbed oil in the wicking material and vaporizes it into an aerosol.

All material used in this coil must be of a consistent material and the purity of these materials must be ascertained.

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Cartridge Cotton

This is the unwoven viscose that triggers the rocking effect of the coils.

The cotton soaks up the extract and transports it to the core of the cartridge in record time. When inspecting the cotton, ensure the material used will never reach burning temperatures while it is being used.

Also check that the core of the cartridge is ceramic, as this will allow for the extract to be absorbed faster.

Mouthpiece

This is the component that comes in contact with the mouth. The inner mouthpiece is most likely to be leached if the material used is unsuitable for harsh temperatures.

The brass alloy called H59 is commonly used in most vapes found in the market. There is a misconception that this material is lead-free. H59 contains a small quantity of lead at a little over 2%. Manufacturers sometimes use other brass alloys kike H59-B1 and B2, but this can also be leached—it contains 0.05% of lead.

The healthiest material that can be used to make the inner mouthpiece is medical grade 304 stainless steel. This material has been proven to contain no lead. Also, make sure that the material used in the finishing of materials can also contain lead. Do not purchase vapes that have been finished with gold or black electroplating.

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Caring for your vape

Initial burn-off: This is the process of heating an empty vape to burn off gas, residual oils, and any form of residue from the factory that lingers.

To maintain the healthy state of your vape, I’d suggest you undergo a burn-off cycle anytime you clean your vape. Doing this would ensure there are no residual cleaning solutions within your vapes. Inhaling these solutions can have adverse effects on your health.

During a burn-off cycle, a process called “off-gassing” occurs.

This is a brief moment in which vapor is released from the unsuitable materials in a vape. This occurrence can produce toxins or harmful chemicals. The more this occurs in a vape, the more reason you should replace the vape. It indicates that very good materials were used in making the vape product.

Disregarding this off-gassing effect may cause more damage to the user. It is commonly said that it is better to smoke than use a vape that is continuously off-gassing.

Keep in mind

High-quality vapes with healthy components are not always expensive the same way expensive vapes are not always of the best grades.

Using a price tag to determine how safe a vape is might be a costly and expensive mistake. Rather than put it to chance, check through the components yourself. Find and purchase the safest vape you can find.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Despite Its Legality, NY Child Welfare Agencies Still Use Weed To Separate Families

Maria Loreto

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September 4, 2022

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Despite Its Legality, NY Child Welfare Agencies Still Use Weed To Separate Families

Court documents, attorneys, and parent statements show that marijuana is still a significant factor in family courts, leading to family separations.

Despite the legalization of marijuana in New York, child welfare agencies continue to report bias in family courts, with parents being separated from their children due to marijuana usage. These parents are often a part of minorities, a trend that has been ongoing ever since the start of the war on drugs.

When marijuana was legalized earlier this year, many lawmakers argued that racial equity was one of the main perks behind this decision. The data that’s available doesn’t seem to support these statements.

New York cannabi — Photo by Anton Petrus/Getty Images

Gothamist interviewed parents who had been affected by these decisions and had a look at court documents that showed that despite marijuana being legal, the drug continues to play a factor in family separations.

“Half of those interviewed at length were parents who said it has felt impossible to extricate themselves from deeply rooted biases in the child welfare system surrounding marijuana use, specifically toward people of color,” says Gothamist. “Those interviews, along with records from family court cases, suggest marijuana continues to be used both to help separate children from their parents and keep families apart in long-running family court cases.”

The state’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) claims marijuana is never the sole reason why a child is separated from their parents, but this is a difficult claim to verify since family court cases have more protective layers. According to the agency, drug and alcohol claims are often lumped together, making these issues difficult to differentiate.

A spokesperson for the agency said the purpose of their investigation is to “assess the impact any misuse has on child safety.” This data is then reviewed by a family judge, who makes the decision to put the child in foster care if necessary.

Many lawyers and family members who were interviewed claimed the ACS’s attitude regarding marijuana hasn’t changed in years, even when talking about medical marijuana, which was approved in New York in 2014. They say there’s an assumption from the agency that using marijuana of any sort is linked with mental instability.

Marijuana legalization in the US is often a bureaucratic process, one that takes years and years to settle and find its groove. Still, when talking about racial equity, a topic that’s been called a priority in New York, it’s pivotal for the government to do its part and fulfill its promises.

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A new study finds a simple and scientific solution to help couples have more sex.

High-quality vapes with healthy components are not always expensive the same way expensive vapes are not always of the best grades.

Safety is the most important thing to look for

Gaskets

Cartridge Tube

Coil

Cartridge Cotton

Mouthpiece

Caring for your vape

Keep in mind

Court documents, attorneys, and parent statements show that marijuana is still a significant factor in family courts, leading to family separations.

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